Lewiston in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Freedom Crossing Monument
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 11, 2012
1. Freedom Crossing Monument Marker
View of the historical marker, affixed to a large boulder.
Lewiston, New York
The underground railroad was a secret network of trails and safe homes that enslaved African-Americans from the southern United States used to escape to Canada in the mid-1800s. The British Empire, including Canada, abolished slavery in 1834.
Lewiston was one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad and, despite breaking the law, many local residents volunteered to help the escapees reach freedom in Canada.
This monument depicts the moment in time when fugitive slaves saw Canada for the first time after traveling hundreds of treacherous miles, avoiding slave catchers who were paid to capture and return them to the south.
Handing the baby to the fugitive mother is Josiah Tryon (1798-1886), Lewiston's volunteer "Station Master" for the Underground Railroad. A man of simple means, Tryon was quiet, humble and religious. By secretly escorting escaping slaves to freedom in his rowboat under the cover of darkness, he gave them hope and became a chap ion of justice and equality. He truly had a rainbow heart, embracing people of all colors and creeds.
With her outstretched
this page online
Erected 2009 by Historical Association of Lewiston, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
Location. 43° 10.409′ N, 79° 2.95′ W. Marker is in Lewiston, New York, in Niagara County. Marker is on Center Street west of North Water Street, on the right when traveling west. This historic marker is affixed to a large boulder, in a community park, that is located along the American shoreline of the Niagara River. It is situated along a park walkway that runs down towards the Niagara River, next to the actual "Freedom Crossing Monument.". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewiston NY 14092, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Freedom Crossing Monument (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Queenston Heights (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 11, 2012
2. Freedom Crossing Monument Marker
Close-up view of the text on the historical marker.
Also see . . .
1. Freedom Crossing. Historic Lewiston website entry (Submitted on June 28, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Freedom Crossing Monument. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 28, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 11, 2012
3. Freedom Crossing Monument Marker
View looking north of the historical marker, affixed to a large boulder, in a community park, along the Niagara River, next to the "Freedom Crossing Monument."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 11, 2012
4. Freedom Crossing Monument
View of the "Freedom Crossing Monument."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 11, 2012
5. Freedom Crossing Monument Marker
Another view, from a different angle, of the "Freedom Crossing Monument."
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 28, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
